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Email client reference (ports, auth, options)

Overview​

While most modern apps configure themselves automatically, some specialized or older email programs require manual setup. This reference guide provides the "digital coordinates" required to connect any email application to your Clearbox Suite.

If these terms feel unfamiliar, don't worry—most users can simply follow our [Outlook] or [Gmail] specific guides. This page is for those who need a deeper look at the underlying settings.

1. Primary Connection Settings​

Think of these settings as the "Phone Number" and "Extension" for your email. You must enter them exactly as shown for the connection to be secure.

FeatureProtocolServer AddressPortEncryption Type
Incoming MailIMAPclearbox.alfrolia.com993SSL/TLS
Outgoing MailSMTPclearbox.alfrolia.com587STARTTLS
Legacy IncomingPOP3clearbox.alfrolia.com995SSL/TLS

Plain Language Definitions:​

  • IMAP (Recommended): Keeps your phone, computer, and web app "in sync." If you read a mail in one place, it's marked as read everywhere.
  • SMTP: The protocol used specifically for sending mail.
  • SSL/TLS & STARTTLS: These are layers of "Digital Encryption" that wrap your email in a secure tunnel, preventing hackers from reading your messages while they travel across the web.

2. Authentication & Security​

Clearbox prioritizes simplicity and security. Unlike older systems, we use a Unified Password System.

  • Username: Your full email address (e.g., office@yourdomain.com).
  • Password: Use your primary account password.
  • App Passwords: Clearbox does not use app-specific passwords. Your main password is all you need for any authorized app.
  • OAuth2: Clearbox does not use OAuth2 for third-party apps. Select "Normal Password" or "Plaintext" (as long as you have SSL/TLS enabled) in your app settings.
  • Outgoing Authentication: Your app must be set to "Log In" or "Use Authentication" to send mail. This prevents your account from being used by unauthorized spammers.

3. Advanced App Settings​

If your email app is acting strangely, check these specific "under-the-hood" settings:

IMAP Specifics (Managing Folders)​

  • IMAP IDLE (Push): Ensure this is enabled. It allows Clearbox to "push" new mail to your phone the second it arrives, rather than your phone checking every 15 minutes.
  • Root Folder Prefix: Most apps should leave this blank. However, if your folders (Sent, Trash, etc.) aren't appearing correctly, try typing INBOX in this field.
  • Sync Window: To save data on your phone, you can tell your app to only download the last 30 days of mail. Your older mail is still safe on the Clearbox servers; it just won't take up space on your device.

SMTP Specifics (Sending Mail)​

  • Port 587: This is the modern standard for sending mail. If your office or hotel Wi-Fi blocks this port, you can try Port 465 as a backup.

4. Quick Tips for Common Apps​

  • Apple Mail (iPhone/Mac): When adding the account, choose "Other" and enter the IMAP settings manually. If your "Sent" messages aren't appearing, go to Mailbox Behaviors and ensure "Sent" is mapped to the "Sent" folder on the server.
  • Thunderbird: Thunderbird is excellent at detecting settings, but ensure it hasn't defaulted to "POP3." Switch it to IMAP for the best experience.
  • Samsung/Android Native Mail: Always choose "Manual Setup" to ensure the SSL/TLS security is applied correctly from the start.

5. Troubleshooting Checklist​

If your connection fails, walk through this 4-step check:

  1. Check the Server Name: Is it exactly clearbox.alfrolia.com? (No typos!)
  2. Full Username: Did you include the @yourdomain.com part of your username?
  3. Port Matching: Does Port 993 match with SSL/TLS? Does Port 587 match with STARTTLS?
  4. Network Block: If you are on a highly restricted corporate Wi-Fi or a public "Guest" Wi-Fi, they may block email ports. Try switching to your mobile data (Hotspot) to see if the connection works there.

Need Technical Backup?​

If you are an IT administrator or a user facing a persistent error, please contact Clearbox Support. When you reach out, please provide the Port Number you are trying to use and a screenshot of the error message.